Serena Chowk and PTCL Chowk Project Deadlines Decreased
The interior minister recently led a meeting to assess two major infrastructure projects in Islamabad, emphasizing the need for faster completion. The contractors were instructed to finish the Serena Chowk project within 60 days, while the PTCL Chowk project, which includes an overhead bridge, was given a 100-day deadline.
During the meeting, representatives for the Serena project expressed confidence in meeting the 60-day timeline. This project involves the construction of three underpasses—two on the Srinagar Highway and one on Khyaban-i-Suharwardi—along with additional road loops.
The groundbreaking ceremonies for both projects are anticipated on November 5, and there is potential for the interior minister to inaugurate the nearby Expressway on the same day, provided the Capital Development Authority (CDA) completes the final touches by then.
Both projects are high priority, as highlighted by the minister to the CDA chairman, and prompt completion was emphasized.
Earlier this month, the CDA opened financial bids for these projects. The Serena project received a bid of Rs. 4.2 billion, awarded to Habib Construction Services, while the PTCL project was awarded to Maakson Engineering Corporation for Rs. 4.1 billion. These bids slightly exceeded initial cost estimates but were accepted due to project expansions and design changes.
The Serena and PTCL sites experience heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, which has been a long-standing issue. Previous attempts to address this congestion were delayed, despite multiple announcements over the years.
The Serena project was initially planned to begin last year but was postponed when the previous government requested additional checks on the bidding process. The updated project, now with a modified design and added work, received new bids reflecting these changes.